Growing threat of terror in Northeast

Kishalay Bhattacharjee
Ndtv.com: 2 November, 2006

Guwahati: In the northeast (NE), there is a growing threat from terrorist networks that are busy strengthening themselves in our immediate neighbours like Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Though security forces are alert to the growing insurgency, there's nothing they can do as long as these countries don't cooperate.

The first significant seizure of arms and explosives came from Bangladesh. It was headed for ULFA's 28th battalion in Upper Assam and Myanmar.

Proof of Islamic terror

While the Bangladesh connection was always there, authorities see this weapons haul as the most telling proof of the Islamic terror network that is supporting insurgents on this side of the border.

"This has been our concern for some months now and the export of Jehadi terrorism and pan-Islamic fundamentalism.

"These are areas of serious concern and it requires the concerted efforts of all NE states," said D N Dutt, DGP, Assam.

Security forces and intelligence agencies from NE states and West Bengal are coming together to fight this rising threat.

But officials say the efforts will come to nothing if countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh continue to abet the terror network.

"We have very sensitive borders with Myanmar, China and Bhutan and very sensitive interstate borders with Assam and Nagaland.

"There are underground groups operating actively because of the area we have where hideout is possible," said Amod Kant, DGP, Arunachal Pradesh.

"Lots of joint operations are on; lots of joint strategies are on. If they are together we are together," he added.

Changing scenario

The situation in the NE has changed over the years. The oldest insurgent movement, Naga militancy is on the road to peace.

Bodo militancy is virtually over. The smaller groups in Meghalaya and Assam are on ceasefire. Only the ULFA is striking with renewed force.

Its alleged links with the ISI and Harkat ul Mujahideen have highlighted the increasing role of Islamic terror groups.

"There's definitely a change in perspective with a change in the environment. The whole spectrum of insurgency is undergoing a subtle change, so accordingly, we in the security forces are also modifying our modus operandi and strategy.

"I think these changes are well known in types of support and the type of networking," said N C Marwah, GOC 2 Mountain Division.

"Everybody is hopeful that the peace talks will resume but I don't see that happening very soon," said D N Dutt, DGP, Assam.

The prospect of peace seems distant.